Call Us Before You Dig!

Safety: Our Chief Concern
Safety is a top priority for The Gas Company. A break in a line could pose a threat to the surrounding neighbors and those working on the project, whether they are your own employees or those of subcontractors. The Gas Company has more than a thousand miles of underground utility pipeline throughout the state, from 16-inch transmission lines to small feeder lines. There's ample opportunity to run the risk of hitting a pipe while digging, but it's a chance no one should take.

The Solution
The Gas Company has established guidelines for working in the vicinity of pipelines to ensure the safety of the public and those working on a project. We want to cooperate in a timely manner with contractors and others performing excavation to identify pipelines prior to the start of any work. It always pays to do your homework and obtain the proper excavation permit. Ideally, The Gas Company should be included in the early design phase of a project to eliminate possible delays. This helps property owners, developers and contractors keep to construction schedules. If you are planning to dig in the Public Right of Way, you should obtain an excavation permit from the appropriate government agency.

Call Before You Dig!
The Gas Company participates in a One Call Program. It’s easy and it’s FREE. Five days before you excavate, call the One Call Center at 1-866-423-7287; provide them with information about your excavation. When you call, The One Call Center will contact the necessary utilities for you. Make sure you mark the area of your excavation in WHITE. For more information about Hawaii ’s One Call Center go to: http://www.callbeforeyoudig.org/hiexcavator.html

Haste Makes Waste
”Hand Dig” to expose gas piping. The Gas Company has a team of professional engineers who work closely with developers, architects and others in the construction industry. We know that time is of the essence – completing projects on time and within budget. When it comes to safety, however, it's not worth cutting corners to get a job done. As the saying goes, "Haste makes waste." Besides jeopardizing the health and welfare of the public and your workers, a gas pipeline rupture could delay your project, and a fine for the repair of a damaged pipeline can add to your costs. It's not worth the risk, especially since these accidents can be prevented.

It Only Takes A Spark
A shovel, backhoe or other heavy equipment digging in the wrong place could result in a pipeline rupture and gas leak. All it takes is a small spark, an ignition source such as a car driving, to cause a fire. There could be serious consequences: personal injury, workers compensation claims, extensive property damage and other implications. In today's economy, businesses need to work safely to help keep costs down. It's the smart way to do business!

Hit Or Miss?
Even a gouge, scrape or minor dent in a gas pipeline, no matter how small, could eventually result in a rupture and leak. There's also a chance the pipe may have been pulled apart at its fittings some distance from where the hit occurred. Take the proper precautions! Don't wait, call The Gas Company immediately so that we can inspect the line and make any necessary repairs. Call 526-0066 (Oahu), 935-0021 ( Hilo ), 329-2984 (Kona), 877-6557 (Maui), 245-3301 ( Kauai ), or 1-800-828-9359 (Molokai & Lanai).

Seven Safe Steps In Case Of A Gas Pipeline Rupture

• Shut down all equipment and avoid using ignition sources.
• Leave the area at once and warn others to stay away.
• Call The Gas Company's emergency line at (808)526-0066.
• If the situation warrants, call the fire department at 911.
• Keep any debris in the surrounding area from catching on fire.
• Do not try to extinguish a gas fire or operate any pipeline valves.
• Do not fill the area with water. Otherwise it will be more difficult for The Gas Company to make repairs.